2010-2011 NHL Season Thread

[bender1077]

My playoff predictions that wouldn't of changed if Chicago made it in or not :

- Lots of beers
- Lots of friends
- Tons of good food
- Lots of great hockey

[Anton]

Hey I'm down for some foolery. 600}+ pages to look through, I'm sure no one will remember these.

EAST CONFERENCE QUARTERS

#1 Washington vs. #8 New York Rangers

Washington in 7

This is an interesting series because we're supposed to believe BB has built this team to be more competitive in the postseason, particularly on defense. He's even rested AO explicitly for that purpose. In the past, WSH dominated the regular season in points and... well, points... but then come playoff time you were asking AO and pals to play 2 way hockey and it just didn't work. Nobody really knew how, the team was made to score. It works fine in the regular season, but come playoff time if you can't get back and play good D you will have trouble.

The Rangers are 3-1 this year against WSH, so they definitely could pull this one off. They're a scrappy, get-on-your-nerves, we-have-sean-avery kind of team. Lundqvist has been around the block with the rangers a few times in the past, and on goaltending alone you gotta figure Rangers have the advantage. Good Series Sticker Of Approval

#2 Philadelphia vs. #7 Buffalo

Philadelphia in 6

Buffalo has the goalie, but not the lineup. There is no Chris Pronger or Mike Richards-y type on Buffalo, someone who can dominate a game on a good night. Except Ryan Miller of course! But then again, this is not the Vezina-winning Miller we've seen, and thanks to a blast in the shoulder by a certain Phaneuf, his overall health is in question. Philadelphia is rolling the dice in net again but their core is the same solid bunch that took them to the cup last year. Giroux/Carter/Zherdev, Briere/Hartnell/Leino... those are tough lines to beat when your best scorers of late are your tiny skilled rookies and your #1 Centre is out for the season.

#3 Boston vs. #6 Montreal

Boston in 7

This is an interesting one that could go either way. These two teams have met before 3 times in the last 4 years - They hate eachother. The Pacioretty incident threw a keg of gasoline into this matchup.

Boston has all the size, Montreal has the speed. But it's playoff hockey, and so long as Thomas can bail out Boston's waning defense there's a very real chance Montreal gets outmuscled on the boards. Fact: No team has scored fewer ES goals in the postseason than Montreal. On the flip side, Montreal will have to do what they did against washington and PIT last season - Buckle down defensively, pray Carey Price can keep them alive, and destroy Boston on the breakout rush. Montreal can counterattack very fast, but I think the size difference and Boston's goalie takes this one.

#4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Tampa Bay

Tampa in 6

No Crosby? No Malkin? No Problem! I mean, hats off to Bylsma for turning the lesser knowns on the pens into a cohesive fighting force (their blue line in particular has been exceptional behind Orpik and Letang, considering they're mostly uninjured compared to other teams), but you can expect Stamkos and St. Louis to bring the thunder down on Fleury. Tampa's defense is weak, Roloson is 41, but this team has a dynamite powerplay. The ending headline will either be Tampa's offense clobbering the Pens, or the Pens defense keeping Tampa's stars quiet.

WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERS

#1 Vancouver vs. #8 the Blackhawks

Vancouver in 6

Since last year, Vancouver has added even more depth, and then some more, and then a bit more. Granted the core of CHI is there, but this is simply not the same CHI team that won the cup based on their regular season performance. Vancouver's PP is retarded good. So is Chicago's. But Vancouver's PK is great, and Chicago's is not. Everybody on VAN's blue line has been injured, and yet the replacements play just as well. Van was dealing at the deadline to improve the strength of their 4th line. Also, Luongo has played 13 games less at this point than last year, thanks to backup Cory Schneider. If there's a time Vancouver can shake off the boogeyman that's haunted them vs CHI in the past, you gotta figure this is as good as any.

#2 San Jose vs. #7 Los Angeles

San Jose in 7

Okay frankly I don't follow the west that much. But I know that losing Kopitar is a serious blow to LA's front end (Justin williams is nursing a dislocated shoulder as well). LA has a solid blueline, but Doughty isn't quite the same force as he was last season, and San Jose has plenty of experience in getting past one round. Heatly/Marleau/Thorton has been joined by Logan Couture, Pavelski, and Clowe in scoring power. There's plenty of time for them to collapse later on.

#3 Detroit vs. #6 Phoenix

Detroit in 6

Dunno much about either team, except that Phoenix gets the most out of their budget as they can, whereas Detroit gets the most out of their maxed-out, well managed and coached lineup of cup contenders and former champs. It's hard to bet against Detroit at any time, Despite Phoenix's strong showing last year, Detroit is just a better beast.

#4 Anaheim vs. #5 Nashville

Anaheim in 7?

Absolutely no idea. On one hand you have Teemu Selanne, who like a good cheese, has got better as he aged. Corey perry has double the goals than Nashville' Kostitsyn. On the other hand, Pekka Rinne is a monster in the pipes and Nashville's strategy has been relying on their defense to backstop low scoring wins. If the preds get an early lead, they go full lockdown mode and it's hard to beat.
I'm more curious as to who the Ducks put in net. Hiller's good but he has vertigo, Emery's good but he got injured, Dan ellis is okay... is Dan Ellis starting? With the way half the West Conference was within points of eachother, I dont think either team has a clearcut advantage here.

[Mytiwar]

plus she's actually been to Montreal, she knows what it's like, she's not about to argue with me that quebecis are all terrible people

srsly we eat babies.
With creme fraiche.

The habs are the bestest at hockey though so it all balances out for us being vile arrogant bastards.

[Thoronas]

My playoff predictions that wouldn't of changed if Chicago made it in or not :

- Lots of beers
- Lots of friends
- Tons of good food
- Lots of great hockey

All great predictions.

So far three coaches have been fired. Clouston in Ottawa, some guy in Flolrida, and now Richards in Minnesota. Gotta wonder how long it is until Crawford is fired, same goes for the dude in Carolina.

Also,

[Selamis]

I will be sure to root for the Wild in games that aren't against the Hawks next year. It's not much, but they can use the support.

[bender1077]

I saw that headline yesterday and laughed quite a bit. You think coach Q sent them one of those nice fine cheese and wine gift baskets?

[Bregor]

WSH Defense is pretty weak

This ain't last year, brah. 4th in the NHL in GAA, tied with Vancouver for 2nd in PK%.

[isladar]

You think coach Q sent them one of those nice fine cheese and wine gift baskets?

Oh man, wit dose little summer sassages and the little flat spreading knife? Dose are real nice, real nice. You can get a plate made up right dere at da Jewels.

[Penthesilea]

EAST CONFERENCE QUARTERS

#1 Washington vs. #8 New York Rangers

Washington in 7 - I don't wanna have to face the rags in later rounds, would be an incredible series if WSH and PHI meet in the ECF (think something like 3-4 of their games went to OT, split the series 2-2)

#2 Philadelphia vs. #7 Buffalo

Philadelphia in 6 - Chris Pronger is back (Miller steals 1 or 2)

#3 Boston vs. #6 Montreal

Boston in 7, but fuck Tim Thomas is ridiculous this year and I don't want the possibility of facing him.

#4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Tampa Bay

Tampa in 6



WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERS

whats that?


Bobs new mask. Don't really care for it.

http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_as...ask_medium.jpg
http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_as...sk2_medium.jpg

compared to his old one.

http://enrico.blogs.com/.a/6a00d8345...5633970c-500wi
http://enrico.blogs.com/.a/6a00d8345...84f6970b-500wi

[Bregor]

Sideshow Bob is win, Lumpy Stallone is fail.

[Palin]

All great predictions.

So far three coaches have been fired. Clouston in Ottawa, some guy in Flolrida, and now Richards in Minnesota. Gotta wonder how long it is until Crawford is fired, same goes for the dude in Carolina.

Hopefully soon. I can't take another season of Crawford. Dude's seriously retarded.

[Deader2818]

Its pretty funny, Kings fans out here want to blow up the team because they think we are still rebuilding and its been "7 years of rebuilding". I'm not sure what they expect when you lose 2 of your leading scorers and your own elite player in a span of a week.

Honestly dont think the Kings are THAT bad of a team, we just an elite scorer to take the next step.

Even if we get swept, rather have 2 years of playoff hockey then playing for lotto picks every year.

[Penthesilea]

Sideshow Bob is win, Lumpy Stallone is fail.

Doesn't make much sense, seeing as how Rocky defeated Drago right before he raised up the flag yeah? Seeing as he's Russian and all.

Its pretty funny, Kings fans out here want to blow up the team because they think we are still rebuilding and its been "7 years of rebuilding". I'm not sure what they expect when you lose 2 of your leading scorers and your own elite player in a span of a week.

Honestly dont think the Kings are THAT bad of a team, we just an elite scorer to take the next step.

Even if we get swept, rather have 2 years of playoff hockey then playing for lotto picks every year.

Shoulda traded quick for that 35+ goal scorer in carter. Woulda helped us all out.

[Anton]

It's not LA's fault, it's just their two best scorers are out/injured. Shitty luck but LA could have easily just not been here at all, considering the West this year

[Deader2818]

Think the Kings will have to move out a goalie to get any goal scorer tbh. We have Quick and Bernier locked up for the next 2 years and 2 very solid goalies in the AHL in Martin Jones and Jeff Zatkoff, both who won goalie of the month honors this year.

Bernier showed the last part of the season that he can be a #1 goalie so will be interesting to see which one we keep but we arent in a rush to move either.

[Ratatapa]

This ain't last year, brah. 4th in the NHL in GAA, tied with Vancouver for 2nd in PK%.

Ok if you prefer they have weak defensement

Potti will surely not be there Greene won't be at his 100% and other people are injured


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[Judai]

Ok if you prefer they have weak defensement

Potti will surely not be there Greene won't be at his 100% and other people are injured

Poti isn't all that good defensively anyways and the team is playing great defense as a whole and they've been without Poti or Green for several months now. Hell, I don't even remember when Poti actually played this year. Carlson and Alzner have been beast, Erskine is having his best year and Hannan has been solid. Wideman out sucks because he was actually playing great two way hockey but it's not just about the 6 D-men for the Caps, everyone is doing work.

West

Canucks in 6. CHI is good but they aren't the same team as last year. Too many key guys are gone and they won't be able to handle Van who has been great all year.

Sharks in 5. LA will steal one or two but without Kopitar La won't be able to overcome SJ who are really hot right now.

Red Wings in 5. PHX is just happy to be here but questions about Goldwater will swirl all week and they will be in Winnipeg before the playoffs are over.

Ducks in 6. Pekka Rinne is a great Goalie but the Ducks have too much firepower right now. Fuck Corey Perry.

East

Caps in 5. People are crazy if they think the Caps D isn't great this year. The NYR choked their way into the playoffs and it's not like Gaborik is known for lighting up the goals come playoff hockey either. The Caps are on eof the hottest teams in the second half of the year and doing it with defense. They have gone 16-3-1 since that horrible loss to the NYR, with a GAA of 1.90 and will be looking for payback.

Flyers in 7. This one was hard, Philly has struggled down the strech but I think they will figure something out before the series is over and knock out BUF. BUF has been up and down the past couple weeks and they will be down and out soon.

Bruins in 5. Habs have looked bad since they got stomped by Boston and they won't look any better this time around. People say they will have a fire from the Pac hit but where was the fire when they got crushed 7-0 or whatever last time? It's out.

Lightning in 6. No Malkin. No Crosby. No chance. Penguins have a solid team but they won't go anywhere with only role players.

[Bregor]

Poti isn't all that good defensively anyways and the team is playing great defense as a whole and they've been without Poti or Green for several months now. Hell, I don't even remember when Poti actually played this year. Carlson and Alzner have been beast, Erskine is having his best year and Hannan has been solid. Wideman out sucks because he was actually playing great two way hockey but it's not just about the 6 D-men for the Caps, everyone is doing work.

This.

Carlson/Alzner have been beasts this year. Could see them becoming one of the top pairings in the NHL very quickly. And the Hannan trade was a revelation, dude is tough as nails and a lot better puck mover than I thought he would be. Add in Schultz and Erskine playing solid if unspectacular stay-at-home defense, and anything we get from Green or Wideman down the road will be gravy.

I'm actually more worried about our goal scoring, Rangers block a fuckton of shots and of course King Henrik can take over at any time. Should be a good series but I think the Caps have grown a lot since the Montreal debacle last year.

Also, Knuble signs a 1-year/$2 million contract extension today. Took a pay cut. Will love to have him back in the locker room next season.

[vagus]

Lightning vs. Penguins : Penguins in 6
Coyotes vs. Wings : Wings in 6
Rangers vs. Caps : Rangers in 6
Canucks vs. Hawks : Canucks in 6
Predators vs. Ducks : Preds in 7
Canadians vs. Bruins : Bruins in 5
Sabres vs. Flyers : Flip a coin, in 7 games
Kings vs. Sharks : Sharks in 6 (Would love to be wrong and Kings win)

[Anton]

This.

Carlson/Alzner have been beasts this year. Could see them becoming one of the top pairings in the NHL very quickly. And the Hannan trade was a revelation, dude is tough as nails and a lot better puck mover than I thought he would be. Add in Schultz and Erskine playing solid if unspectacular stay-at-home defense, and anything we get from Green or Wideman down the road will be gravy.

I'm actually more worried about our goal scoring, Rangers block a fuckton of shots and of course King Henrik can take over at any time. Should be a good series but I think the Caps have grown a lot since the Montreal debacle last year.

Also, Knuble signs a 1-year/$2 million contract extension today. Took a pay cut. Will love to have him back in the locker room next season.

The whole idea, at least what I gathered from 24/7, is Boucher was comfortable giving up some scoring if it meant the team could better reduce chances in their own zone. They'd be fine showing up 8th to the playoffs, so long as they could put their new system to the test.

Of course, the caps dominated the second half of the season and secured #1 on the back of a stellar defense. The team has evolved, so long as they restrict quality chances, their weakness in net should even itself out. Surely Ovechkin can solve Lundqvist a few times? It's not like the talent evaporated.